LePage adjusts to life at NMU

Published 2:09 pm, Monday, April 25, 2016

After all, the 2000 Laker graduate was a two-time all-stater, and he figured to take charge right away here at Division II Northern Michigan University.

Things, though, didn't unfold as planned - at least not right away.

"I was kind of shell-shocked last year," LePage admitted via telephone Wednesday night. "I really had to get used to the college game. Not everything came easy like in high school."

After struggling a bit his freshman season, LePage has turned his game around this year, breaking into the Wildcats' starting lineup. Through 16 games this season, LePage has averaged 5.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 24 minutes of playing time per contest. He also is shooting 45 percent from three-point range, as well as 78 percent from the foul line.

"I think the biggest difference from last year to this year is my confidence," LePage said. "I've had to get used to working on all aspects of the game."

LePage used a stringent off-season workout program to bulk up, as well as regular trips to the gym to improve on his shooting.

"The defensive intensity in college is a whole different ballgame compared to high school," he said. "I might go two or three games where I don't get a good, open shot. That's not like high school."

No doubt, LePage has had to adjust - physically and mentally. At Laker, he averaged over 20 points per game his junior and senior seasons. Here are NMU, his role is a bit different - at least for now.

"We run a motion-type shooting offense," he said. "We're in control and we're disciplined. We have a center who is an all-conference player who is our first option. Then, we have a 6-foot-7 swing player who is our No. 2 option.

"Though you may not be the No. 1 or No. 2 option in the offense, you have to make sure you're ready when you get your chance."

LePage has answered that challenge, hitting several key shots for the Wildcats down the stretch of crucial games this season.

"That's been kind of nice to step up and hit those big shots," he said.

LePage also has had to switch positions, moving from the point guard spot in high school to the off-guard, or at times small forward.

"I'm almost glad I'm not at the point," he said. "There are too many of those 5-8, 5-9 guys who pressure the ball."

NMU is 8-8 overall, 2-7 in the GLIAC North Division. After opening the season 7-1, the Wildcats endured a rough six-game slide, snapping the streak last Saturday against Saginaw Valley State University.

Included in that mid-season skid was a 12-day road trip which included six games in 10 nights. And three of those games came against nationally-ranked opponents, including Gannon University.

"They call Gannon the Duke of Division II, and it was easy to see why," LePage said.

"Traveling like that is the one downpoint. A short road trip for us is eight hours or so. That's the tough part. I never really believed that being on the road could take that much out of you. But we had that trip where we played six games in 10 days. That was tough."

LePage has nothing but good things to say about the competition in the GLIAC.

"Every game is a battle," he said. "I think I underestimated the GLIAC coming into it. It's been called the toughest Division II conference in the nation. And I believe it. This is a great basketball conference."

After a rough stretch his freshman season, LePage is happy to be part of the NMU program.

"It took almost the whole year last season to adjust," he said. "There were times when I was questioning if I made the right choice. Now, I love it up here."

He also likes the 'international flavor' of his teammates, which include three players from Australia, and one each from Germany, Poland and Yugoslavia.

LePage also gives credit to his parents, Mike and Lorraine. They have been to nearly every NMU game the past two seasons.

"They've been very supportive," he said. "A lot of the guys on the team don't have parents around here, so we go out to eat, do things like that. That's been cool."

LePage is excited about his future in the NMU program.

"From Laker to here, I look back and I know I've improved tremendously," he said. "I really think every year it's going to get better and better for me here."

NMU plays at Northwood University in Midland at 3 p.m. this Sunday. The Wildcats visit SVSU at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7.